Connect with others who understand.

  • Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  • Real advice from people whoโ€™ve been there
  • People who understand what youโ€™re going through
Sign up Log in
Powered By
Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Most Of My Friends, Family, And Acquaintances Need A Refresher Course In HIV 101:

A myHIVteam Member asked a question ๐Ÿ’ญ
Seattle, WA

As a Long Term Survivor of 34 years, practically half my life, I've found significant people in my life rather they be friends or family have seemed to forget I have HIV. Except those that have HIV. I'm not one to bring it up in conversations unless asked, and I would say in two years not one person, except doctors, has asked me about how I'm feeling with respect to HIV. Quite frankly, since I'm still alive after 34 years I assume people just forget, or think maybe I've lied the whole timeโ€ฆ read more

February 19, 2021
 โ€ข 
View reactions

Answer Summary

Long-term survivors reflected on whether people forgetting about their HIV status is a blessing or a burden, with many sharing the painful... Read more

Long-term survivors reflected on whether people forgetting about their HIV status is a blessing or a burden, with many sharing the painful reality that friends and family no longer ask about their health while others appreciated being seen as normal rather than defined by their diagnosis. Several members honored the hundreds of friends lost in the 1980s and 1990s, describing the trauma of attending memorial services every other week and crediting those who participated in clinical trials and advocacy for the treatments available today. A recurring theme was the tension between wanting to move forward without being defined by HIV while also ensuring that those who died are remembered, with members emphasizing that everyone's experience with the virus is deeply personal and valid.

A myHIVteam Member

Thanks everyone sharing their opinions regarding the question asked. One important thing we need to remember is that HIV affects every individual differently both physically and emotionally. So everyone has their own individual experience with the virus. I will say I will never forget the many, many friends and family I have lost. I miss them very much.

March 7, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

Amen to that, Gabriel. May all those we have lost may they rest in peace and I am so glad that all of us who are living can not only fight for ourselves but we fight for each other as well. We are one big family and that is what I love so much about this group and so happy that we are getting new members to our family almost daily. Love you all very much.

February 21, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

You seem to feel almost exactly as I. It is hurtful! And I never will forget those that I lost back when. Their legacy is our rememberinng them.

February 20, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

@A myHIVteam Member I didn't have HIV yet when things first got started, but you are right, because more then 70% of those being infected where men who were gay or bisexual so things got started where people started to refer that this was a gay disease in just men. When they finally figured out that they were wrong and people who were not gay, and women were getting the disease it still took a long time to get people to stop saying that only gay men get the disease but there are still some who just don't believe people who say that woman are getting it and even people who are stright get the disease. Thanks for sharing this information I am with you 100%.

February 26, 2021
A myHIVteam Member

.. Rest in Peace all my brothers and sisters who have passed and who are no longer able to ..... We are with you ๐ŸŒˆ๐ŸŒˆ๐ŸŒˆ๐ŸŒˆ๐ŸŒˆโค๏ธ๐Ÿ™.. Our voices become yours๐ŸŒ„๐Ÿ˜˜

February 21, 2021

Related content

View All

Hello, I Am From Denver, Colorado, I Am An Immigrant, I Have Recently Arrived, Can Anyone Help, Where Can I Find Help For Treatment?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question ๐Ÿ’ญ
Denver, CO

Does Anyone Here Know Where I Can Find Help For People With HIV In Denver Colorado?

A myHIVteam Member asked a question ๐Ÿ’ญ
Denver, CO

Hello, Does Anyone Know Where I Can Seek Help For HIV Treatment? I Am New To The US

A myHIVteam Member asked a question ๐Ÿ’ญ
Denver, CO